The Northwest Public Works Institute (NWPWI) is a program of instruction for public works executives who would like to attain a higher degree of proficiency as leaders and managers. The Washington and Oregon Chapters of the American Public Works Association (APWA) jointly operate and sponsor the Institute.

The program consists of three courses offered in Oregon and Washington that, taken in their entirety, provide public works professionals with skills needed to advance in supervisory and management positions up to and including Public Works Director.

While it is recommended that students take all three courses leading to a Certificate of Competency, the individual courses also satisfy the needs of public works professionals at different stages in their career.  Each of the three courses consists of 30 hours of instruction over a four day period.  Completion of all 90 hours is recognized with a Certificate of Completion awarded by the Northwest Public Works Institute and National APWA.

Maximum class size is 40 students and cost is $500 per workshop per student - includes continental breakfast and lunches. WCIA will reimburse the cost of 1 registration per member, per course for the Northwest Public Works Institute. WCIA reimbursement funding is provided upon program completion. For details about WCIA reimbursement, contact Katie Madsen, katiem@wciapool.org, 206.887.7897

2021 NWPWI Workshop Schedule Coming Soon!
Registration typically opens January 3rd and can fill-up on the same day. Wait lists are available.
Location: TBD

Typical Classes:

Public Works Essentials

This class consists of lecture, case studies and exercises cover the following topics: the fundamentals of supervision and management in public works, dealing with bureaucracy, and a class project on public works operations. Full description available here. 

Developing Leaders

This class consists of lecture, case studies and exercises cover the following topics: effective leadership styles, team dynamics, problem solving and decision making, organizational behavior and a class project. Full description available here. 

Public Works Leadership Skills

This class consists of lecture, case studies and exercises cover the following topics: Setting a Path for Yourself, Relations with Organizational Entities, Working with Teams & Employees, Management Systems with class project. Full description available here.